Vince Pitelka - wpitelka@tntech.edu 
Office Hrs. - Tues, Thurs. 1:30-2:30 - Phone: Office - 931/372-3051 Ext. 111
or 615/597-6801 Ext. 111, Home - 615/597-5376

Art 2510 - Intro to Clay - Syllabus

Students With Disabilities requiring accommodations should contact the Office of Disability Services (ODS). An Accommodation Request (AR) should be completed as soon as possible, preferably by the end of the first week of the course. The ODS is located in the Roaden University Center, Room 112; phone 372-6119.

Required Text: Pitelka, Vince. TTU Intro Ceramics Studio Handbook, 1996

Suggested References: Spend time in the Craft Center Library!

Course Objectives - To Build in the Student:

Course Description
Our intention is to get your hands in the clay using as many different forming and decorating methods as possible. In conjunction with the assignments we will have frequent slide-shows of ceramic styles and techniques from around the world through history, and many demonstrations of forming and decorating techniques. We will use the four major clay-forming methods, pinch, coil, slab, and wheel, in a variety of vessel and sculptural projects. We will work with a variety of firing processes, including tribal bonfire-firing, high-temperature stoneware firing, and raku-firing. Our projects will be made from raku clay, which takes its name from the Japanese raku firing technique where the pots are removed from the kiln red-hot and cooled quickly, requiring high thermal-shock-resistance to survive such sudden cooling. 

The raku and bonfire firing processes have the quality of celebratory ritual, and the wares often have an evocative beauty, but these wares will be more fragile and less functional than those fired to higher temperatures. Much of the work we do will be fired to stoneware temperatures, approximately 2400 degrees Fahrenheit, rendering them as hard and durable as stone.

We will explore a variety of surface-decoration methods and materials. Some will involve impressing into the clay or carving away the surface of the clay, others will involve adding clay to the surface. We can also decorate the damp unfired surface with liquid colored clay mixtures known as slips, which are available in plastic containers on the window sills..

After finishing all assembly and surface decoration of the damp clay we allow the wares to dry. When dry they are bisque-fired, an initial firing that makes the clay structure permanent, impervious to water, allowing us to coat the surface with liquid glaze. The glazes we use are composed of powdered chemicals and minerals suspended in water, and upon application the water is absorbed into the bisque-fired clay, leaving a dry but fragile coat of glaze on the surface. A final glaze firing fuses the glaze materials into a hard, durable, glassy coating that seals the porous clay surface.

As we begin this class you must open your mind to all the possibilities of ceramics. This is a wide-open field, with few limits to what we can do with clay. In the past ceramics was often viewed only as utilitarian craft, but today clay is also seen as a fine art form. A beautiful vase can be a great work of art just like a statue or painting. Consider that everything you make in this course is a statement of your feelings and beliefs. You have the opportunity to do things that are unique and original, and with that in mind, remember that ceramic objects can survive into eternity. Don't let this weigh you down - let it inspire you. This could be your legacy.

Expectations and Grading
Have fun in this course, and look at it as a change of pace from the academic grind of the main campus, but expect a demanding class requiring a serious commitment and allocation of time. If you make that commitment you will be rewarded in many ways, not the least by a large collection of wares to do with as you please. Keep the best and give the rest to your friends and relatives. They'll love everything you make.

Most of class time will be devoted to working on assigned projects. Additionally, you will need to put in additional studio time as needed to develop skills and complete the projects. The amount of studio time required outside of class will depend on how much work you get done in class. You can put in quite a bit of extra time just by coming early and/or leaving late. If it is difficult for you to come up here outside of class, plan to take work home with you.  

Regular on-time attendance is required. Try not to miss any of the demonstrations and slide shows, as we cannot repeat them. Always bring a notebook or sketchbook to record ideas and imagery. Unless you make other arrangements with me, stay for the entire three-hour class - make the most of the time, but take breaks whenever you need. If unusual circumstances cause you to miss a number of class meetings, contact me promptly so that we can work around it.

Up to 80% of your grade depends on enthusiastic on-time completion of studio projects incorporating expectations identified in assignment handouts, and the methods and imagery discussed and demonstrated in class. You are encouraged to bring personal influences and ideas into your work. Originality and innovation will be generously rewarded. Project grads will be assigned as follows:

Note:  In addition to the above criteria, assignments turned in late without sufficient excuse will be marked down one letter grade for each class meeting that they are late.

At least 20% of your grade depends on attendance and class participation. This includes studio cleanup and general cooperation with me and with your fellow students. The above percentages are flexible, at my discretion, in that excessive absences will seriously affect your grade, regardless of quantity or quality of work. I will keep track of attendance, and after four unexcused absences each additional unexcused absence will result in one letter grade reduction in your final grade. At midterms and again at finals we will schedule reviews to evaluate and document your progress. These reviews are the equivalent of midterm and final exams, and attendance is mandatory.

Contacting You Via Email
I will occasionally send you messages via the TTU email distribution list for this class.  This has become a preferred means of getting class information to students, and it is your responsibility to check your email at least once every few days.  If you use another email address, then set your TTU email address to forward to your preferred address.  You will be responsible for any information sent to you via the TTU email distribution list for this class.  

Required Materials
Glazes, slips, and firing services are provided. Purchase the handbook, clay, and clay-working tools (except where indicated) from the gallery. Get them right away or you will be unable to proceed.

Class Projects in Sequence

Course Schedule
This is a generic schedule for this class and does not include dates.  Consult the printed syllabus for more accurate dates.  

²